Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney, today launched the Cadet Youth Development Framework at the Youth Research Centre, University of Melbourne.

Senator Feeney said the Framework would play an important part in guiding the Australian Government’s strategic approach to youth development through the Australian Defence Force Cadets. 

“This is a Framework that has been born from the combined efforts of the University of Melbourne, cadets, cadet volunteers and community members.

“In its development, more than 40 focus groups and 4,000 surveys with cadets and volunteers were held, along with interviews with school principals. There is no doubt that this is a Framework developed by the cadet community for the cadet community.

“It will support cadet units in making the most of their opportunities and strenghths, as it will help them review what they could be doing better.

“The Australian Government is committed to the Australian Defence Force cadets and their positive impact on youth development. Cadets isn’t just a youth development program that provides young Australians with a unique military experience - it embodies strong values, such as honour, honesty, integrity, courage, loyalty, teamwork and citizenship,” Senator Feeney said.

The Framework follows the release of the Generic Youth Development Framework, which was produced last year in partnership with the University of Melbourne.

Director of the Youth Research Centre, Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, Professor Johanna Wyn, said the research behind the Framework showed the Australian Defence Force was an international leader in youth development.

“It enables the Cadet organisations to take a highly strategic approach, identifying the areas of existing strength and areas of potential growth in their approaches to youth development,” Professor Wyn said.

Media note: Imagery will be available at http://images.defence.gov.au/12131269.

Media contact: Jeffrey von Drehnen: 0477 348 476